March 18, 2008

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Northern Colorado's men's golf team sat in 14th place after the first day of the UALR First Tee Collegiate Classic at Chenal Country Club.

The event is the first of the spring season for the Bears and the first for new coach Chuck Scheinost.

Northern Colorado's 638 (+62) two-round team score on the 7,221-yard, par 72 course had it just behind Texas-San Antonio (636), Arkansas-Fort Smith (632) and Stephen F. Austin State (621).

The Bears entered the second day of the tournament 18 strokes shy of Northern Illinois (620) and the top 10.

Sam Houston State led the team standings at the end of the first day after carding a 591 (+15). Sam Houston's Beau Willis was the top individual golfer, carding a 143 (+1).

Derek Hofmeister shot a 158 (+14) and tied for 44th, giving him the Bears' best individual finish on day one. Alberto Dell'Anna carded a 159 (+15) and was Northern Colorado's only other top-50 finisher taking 50th. Stephen Bidne (163, +19) was in 65th, Kyle Burns (164, +20) was tied for 66th and Richard Lash (169, +25) was in 75th.

The event will conclude Tuesday, March 18, at Chenal. Tee time was set for 8 a.m.